Non-GTI Golfs - what's the best option?

[Diamond Hell]

I've never driven a diesel that I liked, I don't like the noise for one. And I keep hearing about turbos going.
Definitely no to an SDI too.

Given the number of TDIs out there the odd turbo will let go.  You should probably discount this as an issue and maybe drive a few more TDIs?

And I don't do enough miles to make it work out cheaper on fuel. I do about 7k miles a year.

You need to work on your maths: petrol at 35MPG vs diesel at 50MPG, using current fuel prices, on 7k per year:

140 gallons of diesel at 1.389 per litre = £875
200 gallons of petrol at 1.329 per litre = £1196

I make that a saving of around £320 per year.

Just in case you're wrestling with the above maths - you'd spend £320 less per year on fuel running a TDI.

Always wondered why people bought those hideous 1.6 and 2.0 petrol Octavias and the like.  Now I understand.

[F17BAD]

Isn't the 2.0 8v petrol engine in the Mk4 basically the same as the 2.0 8v in the Mk3 GTI ?

its different mate

loads of issues with them too hence why they use a load of oil. VW know about the fault but wont admit to it

my dad had one from new and the engine had to be replaced twice, the reason it was using oil was down to piston ring issues

[DubFan]

I know about maths mate.
I tend to get about 40mpg out of my petrol 1.6 FSI. Which is decent enough.

When I was looking for the last car a lot of the diesels were ex company cars with high miles, and I wanted a lower mileage example. Diesel models also seemed to be more expensive.

I admit to not knowing so much about diesels, so I'm geniunely interested in an answer, is there truth in the idea that diesels only get maximum fuel efficency on a long run? So a 3-4 mile trip won't be very efficient.
(I'm waiting for DH to point out that petrol engines are the same  )

I would probably consider a TDI, if I could get over a hang up that they're noisy, smelly and give off fumes that are worse for humans than petrol fumes (too much Daily Mail I think).

Someone want to lend me a TDI and prove me wrong?

[Wayne]

Another choice if you can find one is a mk4 1.8 20v non turbo, I would avoid the 2.0 at all costs.

[mcgee9t2]

Another choice if you can find one is a mk4 1.8 20v non turbo, I would avoid the 2.0 at all costs.

anybody know how long these were made for? only seen them up to s reg like mine. also anyone know why they stoped making these over the 2.0 8v

[gixer1400]

if your still looking what about this little beauty 

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Volkswagen-Golf-Mk2-1-6-CL-5-door-One-owner-from-new-17k-miles-/251180634225?pt=Automobiles_UK&hash=item3a7b885071

[whileoceanasleeps]

that is mint! shame it's not a gti tho

[danny_p]

the 1.8 20v is a f**king awfull engine, souless boreing thing to drive   they seem to die as well.

the 2.0 8v dies if your nice to it.   if you try and kill it  and i mean utter neglect and thrashings  they get fitter and stop useing oil. 

driveing 50 miles with the oil light flashing and a hole in the sump sorts it tho,  quite inpressed it got me home,  chouldn't get it to start to move it out the way next day tho so a digger said hello to it

[Diamond Hell]

Someone want to lend me a TDI and prove me wrong?

I have a Golf3 TDI here you're welcome to try out. 

Won't do less than 49MPG.  It won't cure your notion that they're noisy though.

Caning the hell out of my parent's Leon 140TDI only got it down to just under 40MPG and I know they were seeing around 55MPG when driving it lightly.

I think your view of diesels only being good on longer runs is probably rather out-dated, since about the mid-90s. 

[Diamond Hell]

(too much Daily Mail I think).

Let me help you with your reading decision-making process for the future: